The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has opened a criminal case against Italian journalists Stefania Battistini and Simone Traini for allegedly crossing the Russian border illegally to report on the Ukrainian military’s incursion into the Kursk region. The journalists, working for Italian state broadcaster RAI, were the first international crew to document the Ukrainian advance into Russian territory, specifically in the city of Sudzha.According to the FSB, Battistini and Traini violated Article 322 of the Russian Criminal Code by entering Russia without valid documents, an offense that could carry a sentence of up to five years in prison. The journalists maintain that they followed international norms, including the 4th Article of the Geneva Convention, which protects reporters following armies in conflict zones.The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions, with the Russian Foreign Ministry summoning Italian Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni to protest what they called an ‘illegal entry’ and ‘whitewashing of Kiev’s crimes’. In response, the Italian Foreign Ministry defended the journalists, stating that RAI and its news teams operate independently and autonomously.Due to safety concerns and reported threats, RAI has decided to temporarily recall Battistini and Traini to Italy. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has condemned Russia’s plans to prosecute the journalists, calling it a form of censorship.This case highlights the ongoing conflict in the region, with Ukrainian forces reportedly capturing 82 localities and 1,150 square kilometers in the Kursk region since August 6. The situation continues to evolve, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives about the military operations and their impact on civilian populations.
Key points
- Russian FSB opens criminal case against Italian journalists for alleged illegal border crossing.
- Journalists claim they followed international norms while reporting on Ukrainian advance in Kursk region.
- Diplomatic tensions rise as Russia summons Italian ambassador, while Italy defends journalists’ independence.
- RAI recalls journalists to Italy due to safety concerns and threats.
- Case highlights ongoing conflict in the region and challenges to press freedom.
Contradictions👾While Russian authorities claim the journalists entered illegally, the journalists and RAI maintain they followed international norms and journalistic standards.
👾Russia describes the Ukrainian military action as a ‘terrorist attack’, while Ukraine and the journalists present it as a military operation.
